KATHMANDU, Nov 13: Gai or Cow Puja is being observed throughout the country today on the third day of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by the Hindus in the country. The cow is worshipped as per the religious belief that we get love from her like a mother. The day today is also locally called Gai Tihar. The cow is garlanded and fed various delicacies.

Tihar is at the doorstep. It is the second biggest Nepali festival after Dashain. Crow is worshipped on Kaag Tihar, the first of the five-day-long festival. Dogs get special treatment on the second day, called Kukur Tihar. On the third day (Gai Tihar), people show their appreciation to cow by garlanding and feeding them. In the evening, Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshiped by lighting oil lamps (Diyo).